Gaffer & Gear 244 - Amaran 150c & 300c

[@ChrisA2617]

Man your reviews are top notch!

[@MattQuattro]

Thanks Andrew, your reviews are much appreciated. The amount of testing and detail you go to is unmatched. I was looking into the 300c and all your testing data has really helped me out!

[@aaronfreemanshitsquad371]

"Well.. technically you CAN use it in the rain but.. just dont expect it to work on the next job" 🤣🤣🤣😭😭 Idk why that was so funny to me.. Love it!!!

[@thephilsharp]

Thanks Andrew, your page is as an absolute must when looking at new equipment on the market.

[@leftclot]

You're pretty much the main channel I trust for lights and gear at this point! Another great breakdown! thank you

[@leoquesto9183]

Whoa! Stylish, too. That Klaus Kinski spin into frame is choice! Another great review in the books to boot! Thank you!

[@leafcatcherstudio]

Thanks for the review. It might be worth mentioning that these are temporary sale prices. They usually sell for a bit more, but are still quite affordable.

[@richardwilliamson1533]

Loved the review! Would be interesting to compare these to the new Nanlite FC series as they're also low cost lights but seem to have a larger feature set.

[@LukeCurtis]

Thanks for putting them through their paces.

[@jokubasvaicius]

Awesome review!! I am just in the market for one of these, and your video couldn't come out in a better time! Thank you!

[@chiokehart-kelly3481]

Just bought one of these a few hours ago. Hope your review is favorable.

[@emyoswald]

The 300c has jumped about $100 USD ($569) and the 150c has jumped up about $50 ($369), for people coming to this in Feb 2024

[@Nicedesk]

Another excellent, comprehensive review. Thanks!

[@meetthegaffer]

Thank you for taking the time to review so thoroughly!

[@malz]

Thanks for the best review of these lights on the platform and such in-depth. Please keep it going since it's really hard to get valuable information from videos made by videographers~influencers 😉😉

[@chilee5513]

Nice review, thank you, Andrew!

[@justinuriahphoto]

I bought 5 of the 150’s while they were on sale. I needed something for KZbin videos. My aputure 600x pro’s work on outside productions.

[@gaffergear]

Are the 150s working well

[@justinuriahphoto]

@@gaffergear for talking head videos absolutely. I’m barely using 15-20% at iso800 f8 at 24fps on a C70. Using their spotlight mount with the window gobo and it’s a great addition to the background elements. They are super lightweight which also means I don’t have to use a ton of sandbags. They will permanently live in the studio.

[@FolkeFox]

Just commenting, I purchased a 300c just two days ago and the internal fan came with a broken bearing. It makes an extremely loud rattling noise that’s honestly a deal breaker, this has apparently been a running problem with amaran products and it’s just disappointing.

[@Praxiszooms]

great review! thanks to also cover prosumer lights!

[@ryanoliver5752]

I have a couple of Amaran lights. And last week used a generic aluminum conical Bowens mount snoot on an Amaran 200 at 60%. After being on for 4plus hours, the plastic started to melt around the emitter. Light still works it just looks melted around the chip. Just a heads up on what modifiers you try and use on these plastic lights. BTW been using the snoot with a Godox sl 150 for years with no problem; because around the emitter is metal.

[@gaffergear]

Interesting

[@koalamusik]

There’s no native DMX control, which is common on lights at this price, but it will be compatible with Aputure’s upcoming Sidus DMX system.

[@gaffergear]

That was announced so long ago I had forgotten it's in the drawing board

[@LiveFromPFD]

Lack of DMX is so disappointing. And using Sidus One to “overcome” means existing lighting controllers won’t work and then a subscription model after beta?

[@andress398]

Absolutely fantastic reviews. I would love if you could test the Amaran 200x S. This light supposedly scores very very well in color accuracy and I would like to see how these compare to that one since their price point is very close and they were also released very close to eachother. Thank you for the amazing content!

[@micorogers5344]

Hi Andrew! I am reviewing this video and your previous video with the Forza 60C. Is it correct to say that Forza 60c has a brighter color output than the Amaran 300c based on the values you showed on the brightness tests or they arent meant to be comparison points?

[@gaffergear]

@@micorogers5344 the Forza 60c is definitely brighter with certain colours, even though it's only 60w. The 300c has more even light distribution through a projector in its colour modes, so the devil is in the dental with these things.

[@Visethelegend]

I was waiting for your review for ages because mine got a saturation problem where I couldn’t dim the light while in HSI mode, I thought they were like that until I got to test another 300c and mine was the only one that couldn’t dim

[@edwinvandoorn3491]

You must have read my mind yesterday 😂 Will a review of the projector ‘spotlight se’ follow soon?

[@gaffergear]

I haven't received one, so I'm not sure at this stage

[@chrisogrady28]

I really hope you get chance to cover the new Godox SL150R and SL300R, as far as I can tell they are the same as the SZ but without the zoom, greater CCT range, more effects, and £150 cheaper. I'd like to know if there's a catch as the new 300 would be a great compliment to my old SZ150R if they can match well at the same settings

[@frankfeng2701]

21:36 People still rent cheap lights because they can be too big to carry for travel shooters.

[@larrylaffer4304]

Nice. I am still not sure if i should get the 150c or 300c 🥺

[@Marcus092788]

Are there any lux readings for the Nanlite Fresnel?

[@gaffergear]

When I get back to Melbourne I'll get you some readings

[@DrumHead23]

So I see that the smaller but more expensive Forza 60C has more firepower than the 150C... Tho the Forza seems to have an slightly more narrow beam, but interesting to see more than double the wattage gives less output for the Amaran

[@caillouwang]

I think it's time to set up a dual Forza 60C rig. 😆

[@gaffergear]

The Forza 60c (Love em, I have 8 with projector mounts - real game changer for me) has a less diffused mixing area which can result in colour blemishing, but the trade off is a tone of level. Whereas the 150c is totally blended for a perfect colour across the beam, but the trade off is weak output.

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

to light backgrounds and or use as I hair light on a boom ? would you recommend these for corporate jobs to save money from buying the aputure 600c @@gaffergear

[@gaffergear]

@@creativegreatsvisuals sure, if has enough fire power, which it most likely will

[@SimplestUsername]

The Bowens mount on my 300C just broke after it gently fell over into its springy soft box. Like, of all the parts to make of cheap plastic, why that one? I'm not too concerned though because it looks like it can be replaced my removing 4 Phillips screws.

[@CurtisAhoPhotography]

Looking at the Amaran 300c or getting the Nanlite Forza 300 bi ii. I am seeing the Nanlite has a better build quality, brighter output, DMX and has a controller to add v mount batteries. Would like to have the option for RGB on the 300c but don't know if I should buy the better build Nanlite. Would be using these for mainly commercial work for lighting. What would you suggest?

[@promo4557]

I found these amazing units

[@sammorganmoore]

In terms of control from the head.. its pretty standard for me to have sidus on set.. it makes other brands of light feel out of date. No one will climb up to the head to adjust it!

[@gaffergear]

I'm the same but with CRMX. But I still know people that are manual, I can't imagine working that way now.

[@sammorganmoore]

@@gaffergear i guesss I need to see if you have a crmx video because ideally id like to control a few brands. Yep I would not be mnual apart from maybe a 2light setup at an interview ;)

[@gaffergear]

@@sammorganmoore worth checking out "Meet the gaffer" for some CRMX options. I use the Exalux Control One but it seems "Blackout" on iPad with a transmitter is the preferred solution these days.

[@sammorganmoore]

@@gaffergear thank you will check

[@bradleykussy]

If I had a double yoke and placed 2x 300cs, would that be equivalent to a 600c? Mainly being bounced or pushed through diffusion?

[@gaffergear]

@@bradleykussy I don't think it would even be close

[@SimplestUsername]

If these things had DMX (even through a USB C dongle) they'd be a home run for theatere use.

[@gaffergear]

I can only guess there must possibly be a pro line coming. Because if these had DMX they would sell like crazy on the pro market IMO.

[@SimplestUsername]

@@gaffergear Yeah! it's perplexing to me that they didn't start with an Apature 300c version first.

[@TheRealJimmyLundy]

Are the 300c brighter than the 200d at 5600k and same degree and distance?

[@MatchRaceVideoDotCom]

Thanks for another great review! Can you share what frequency meter you are using?

[@gaffergear]

It's an old UPRtec spectrometer. The spectrometer side is rooted but the frequency metre still works well. However I don't trust it's flicker free lighting predictions.

[@JesseSudich]

Thanks for the wonderful review! Since these were announced I've been trying to figure out if the 300c would be an option for replacing my 200D as a keylight, mainly because I'd prefer to avoid daylight colour temps whilst filming at night (to optimise sleep). I'm wondering this light at 3200K to 4000K would be able to output similar brightness as the 200D with colour correcting gels? I currently run my 200D at about 80%. Any help with this comparison anyone could give would be very much appreciated 😊

[@jononeill2008]

Are there any additional Hyper reflectors which work with these heads? Thanks

[@gaffergear]

That is an interesting idea, I reckon the mount could easily hold a 1200D spot reflector

[@cinemagrip]

Thanks man, been waiting months for your review on the 300c! By any chance, do you have planned a review for the Amaran Spotlight SE with these lights? 🙏

[@gaffergear]

I don't think Aputure is sending me one

[@scottsparrow4982]

I'd be a lot less educated without Andrew.

[@VideoCreator338]

Hello advise a budget good light for videography

[@NM-bs4ck]

Hi Can you make a Review of Rotolight Anova 3 Pro?

[@00WhiteBlade]

Another fantastic review! What do you use to measure illuminance? I tried using my Sekonic L-858d and it rounded the lux values so heavily it was almost useless. It couldnt display values between 5000lx, 5500lx, and 6000lx.

[@gaffergear]

I use the C800 for lux and a separate Sekonic incident meter for F-Stops. I honestly can't remember why I decided on that, it was long ago and my memory is crap, but I think it was because of rounding.

[@00WhiteBlade]

@@gaffergear Thank you! Yes I wonder why their illuminance meters round their displayed lux/fc at all since the f/stops seem to be based on an internal, non-rounded measurement.

[@NellerProductions]

Anyone got any info around running these lights under-slung (up side down)? If I hung them from the ceiling would it melt? Any way to put it on a yoke?

[@gaffergear]

Yes it can. My contact at Aputure just confirmed this

[@NellerProductions]

@@gaffergear it can be ran upside-down or it can melt?! It'd be super helpful if you could reverse the direction of the fan through the app.

[@gaffergear]

@@NellerProductions it can run 360⁰ by 360⁰ no heat issues

[@NellerProductions]

@@gaffergear You're the best! ❤️

[@JitDawgBruhDang]

I wanted to know if your test with F10 and smallera Aputure fresnel and this light :(

[@gaffergear]

I sold all my Aputure Fresnels, but my gut feeling is the F10 would be too heavy

[@ekphotography]

Can you dim the lights from the Sirus App?

[@gaffergear]

Yes

[@elviejohuron]

How long can this light be on at maximum power without overheating?

[@gaffergear]

I've run these for at least 8 hours straight during testing. I would say they should be fine continuously

[@orangejjay]

Do you have to lower it down or can you use Sidus Link?

[@gaffergear]

100% Sidus compatible. All the missing modes such as FX are available over Sidus

[@mr.frandy7692]

just a friendly suggestion.... i've been patiently waiting for a person to light up a larger area with these so i can gauge the capabilities a bit better. is there any way you can take this outside at night in someones backyard or something similar. shining it at garage door from only 15 feet away..... i don't know.. not very helpful when I'm watching a review compared to doing something like lighting a large object from 30 ft away. or the side of a house from 40 ft. away. I'm waiting for a single reviewer to do something like this.....

[@gaffergear]

I live in a town house unfortunately with not a lot of room. My new neighbours are not as open to me lighting up the street as my old neighbours were.

[@mr.frandy7692]

I understand, my friend. I appreciate your time and expertise in these videos you're creating. @@gaffergear

[@mr.frandy7692]

I should just rent one if I really want to see what it's capable of. @@gaffergear

[@dannychow2568]

can it maybe be output dmx someday?

[@gaffergear]

I don't think they have any plans to.

[@dannychow2568]

ok,thank you@@gaffergear

[@정국-x6i]

Is "Forza60C" brighter than "amaran150c" ? (RESULTS : amaran150c 09:08 No modiefies VS foraza60c kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXqlhKWEhbCdY5Y ) I'm curious .. Why Forza is brighter than amaran .~ forza=60W amaran=150W ..

[@gaffergear]

My guess is the front mixing panel. The Amaran is heavier and has a cleaner mix and it has a wider more even beam. The 60c is an absolutely surprising unit in terms of brightness. If I need anything below a 600 in full colour I got a 60c

[@정국-x6i]

@@gaffergear OMG you are so kind. thank you so much. last! on more question! If i use only color modeR,G,B,, Forza60c is even better than amaran300c ?? (((Forza60c / No Modifies @ 1M : Red 1,300 lux Green 3430 lux Blue 675 lux Amaran300c/ No Modifies @ 1M : Red 466 lux Green 946 lux Blue 373 lux)))) Despite Rated power of 300c vs forza60 ,almost 4X~5X. It seems forza60 is more powerful RGB than 300c. .

[@ROBERTPOKONSKI]

Hi love your videos I was thinking about getting the Amaran 300c I am a small prouction house doing crops interviews and min movie. I have $555.00 USD to spend on a light. I would love to get your opinion on where to put my money there so many choices out there I am going nutsss THXS

[@gaffergear]

I don't advise people on what to get as everyone has different needs

[@ROBERTPOKONSKI]

@@gaffergear k

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

what aputure fresnel work on these ?

[@gaffergear]

I'm not sure what will work well as I sold off all my Aputure fresnels, definitely not the F10

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

@@gaffergear you don’t like aputure fresnels? What do u think of the aputure f10 on the aputure 600d ?

[@gaffergear]

@@creativegreatsvisuals awesome combination, but I had to sell of something to make room for 1200Bs and 2400Bs. I also loved the 600X with the F10

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

@@gaffergear do you feel the nanlux is a better 1200 led vs the aputure 1200d due to nanlux 1200b having close to full power output in both tungsten and daylight modes ?

[@gaffergear]

@@creativegreatsvisuals Aputure never released a Bi-colour in this power class forcing me across to Nanlux

[@Marcus_Visbal]

Oof, they upped the prices

[@mottavisuals]

I couldn't tell from the vídeo, but would you say that the extra wats you get from the 300c are worth the price? I realy need a brighter light then my 60w godox but I'm not sure if 300w is overkill or if It's a well worth investiment.

[@gaffergear]

@@mottavisuals I don't think 300w is overkill at all. You can always dim it down

[@realta.marketing]

Did they just raised the prices? Because 300 C is now $569

[@gaffergear]

Looks like, unless they happened to be on sale when I made the episode